Message Notes

(I) FEELINGS THAT CAUSE PEOPLE TO BE DOWNCAST

1. No rest (2 Corinthians 7:5)

2. Troubled on every side (2 Corinthians 7:5)

3. Conflicts without (2 Corinthians 7:6)

4. Fears within (2 Corinthians 7:6)

(II) FEATURES OF HOW GOD ENABLES PEOPLE TO OVERCOME DARK FEELINGS

“Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,And not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you…” 2 Corinthians 7;6-7

1. God knows how to comfort us

a) He is our Father of mercies ( 2 Corinthians 1:3 )

b) He is the God of all comfort ( 2 Corinthians 1:3 )

2. God knows our need for human comfort

a) He sends people (like Titus) to comfort

b) He sends good and encouraging news to bring comfort

(III) FULNESS OF BLESSING THAT COMES FROM THE COMFORT OF GOD

“Therefore we have been comforted by your comfort. And we rejoice exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.” 2 Corinthians 7:13

1. Comforted by your comfort

a) The context of this statement

i) Stern rebuke from the apostle Paul

ii) Humble response from the Corinthians

iii) Correct and true spirit of repentance

b) The comfort of the Corinthians

i) Comfort that came from the Lord

ii) Comfort that came from sins that were repented of and forgiven

c) The witnessing of this comfort brought much joy to the spirit of Titus

i) He communicated all these things to Paul

ii) The apostle then entered into their comfort

2. A special comfort that brings refreshing joy

a) Joy

b) A refreshed spirit